The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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Immigration

AOH Comments on Malachy McAllister Deportation

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On the day Malachy McAllister surrendered for deportation, AOH National Board Members: Treasurer Sean Pender, Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy, and Freedom For All Ireland Chairman Martin Galvin accompanied him to stand beside and support him on this very bleak day. Here are their video comments made about the deportation of our friend Malachy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfX-IQkU8U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hanGdCMZBoE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkcv-H9MdZU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AG2YRgIxZo … [Read more...] about AOH Comments on Malachy McAllister Deportation

US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles

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From the Political Education and Immigration Chairs Part of the foundational ethos of the United States is that individuals are treated based on their merits; rejecting the Old World concepts of royalty and aristocracy where a person is judged based on who their parents were. That American belief was a beacon of hope to the thousands of Irish who came to America in search of being able to achieve their full potential, and America has benefited incalculably from their energy and drive. It is therefore extremely disconcerting to learn that the US Department of State has repudiated this core … [Read more...] about US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles

Hibernians helped Tara Circle and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center Get Their Start

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Hibernians helped these two Irish community support organizations get their start, now one gives the other a boost- The Tara Circle supports the Emerald Isle Immigration Center’s Woodlawn building renovation fund! Photo: Emerald Isle Immigration Center on Katonah Ave aka The Emerald Mile With the soon-to-be-expanded Woodlawn offices of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center as a backdrop, board members of two Irish community organizations serving the New York Metro area met for an exciting development!  “Plans for the space renovation have been underway for a number of years, and this … [Read more...] about Hibernians helped Tara Circle and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center Get Their Start

Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy

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E3 Visas for Irish Revisited- House and Ways Committee Chairman US Rep. Richie Neal recently reintroduced H.R.2418 to add Ireland to the E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa. This Bill, which would allocate the remainder of Australia's 10,500 E3 visas for Irish applicants. Based on last years effort, we learned that many Congress members think Ireland has no problems getting visas to the U.S. Hibernians must educate their Congress reps that the Irish for over 50 years have been adversely affected by current rules. This Bill doesn't address issues of the undocumented and those long waiting for immigrant … [Read more...] about Irish Immigration Summit at Irish Embassy

Immigration Chairman’s Report – April 2019

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It is time for a permanent solution tothe families of A Irish Deportees and the Malachy McAllister family. The Irish Peace Process is now 21 years old. Yet for these participants in the conflict, although their issues were addressed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the dividends of Peace remain elusive. These issues are increasingly difficult for all of them, and for Malachy McAllister imminent deportation and separation from his young family are a reality. It is time that Ireland's Peace Process, which is a model for many other nations, be recognized by the Department of Homeland Security … [Read more...] about Immigration Chairman’s Report – April 2019

Immigration Report – December 2018

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Ireland Gets Hibernian Help in Irish E3 Visa Push A Congressional Bill to add visas for the Irish, sails through the House, gets challenged in the Senate. At the time of writing this article, Hibernians in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Missouri are calling on their US Senators to support nearly 5,000 bi-annual renewable visas for the Irish. Irish visa winners could bring their spouse and children to live and work in the US as part of a reciprocal deal which eases work and retirement rules and a path to Irish Citizenship for Americans in Ireland. If successful, it will be the first … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – December 2018

Immigration Report – October 2018

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I ask that each Division and State to comply with our Constitution and appoint an Immigration Chair. This chair is a resource on promoting fair and equitable immigration between Ireland and the USA and providing members with background on current Irish and US immigration policies, issues and concerns. It’s very easy for Irish citizens to visit here for up to 90 days and for US citizens to visit Ireland for the same amount of time. But what about staying longer? Or living, studying or working, here or there? That's when visas come into play and in both cases, it's not easy! The … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – October 2018

AOH National Director and Immigration Chair Report – June 20, 2017

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Upsetting news deJune 20, 2017veloped in recent days as John Cunningham, a 38-year-old Donegal man, who has been an outspoken Irish immigrant advocate, leading member of Boston’s GAA, civic and business community since 1999, is facing imminent deportation after being arrested by ICE agents. Apparently, he was apprehended with cause for overstaying a holiday visa waiver many years ago. Cunningham was interviewed for a documentary on Irish Undocumented, broadcast on RTE in March, in which he may have been identifiable. We are not sure if this contributed to his arrest, but these are cautious … [Read more...] about AOH National Director and Immigration Chair Report – June 20, 2017

Immigration Report – December 2016

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I wish all the Blessings of Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2017 to you and yours. This Christmas, sadly, is an anxious time for Irish Immigrants and their families. Campaign promises from the President-elect threaten programs that the Irish facilitate to work here, and deportation may separate families. We remain committed to working with US lawmakers, Irish Immigration Centers, Senator Billy Lawless, the Chicago Celts and Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson and others to promote fair and legal paths for the Irish and end the plight of the undocumented. I will be hosting conference calls and … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – December 2016

Report for 2015 Fall National Board Meeting

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Congrats to Brian O’Dwyer, 2015 AOH Seán MacBride Humanitarian Award Winner It was my honor to successfully nominate Dr. O’Dwyer. I have known and worked with Brian for decades, and no one is more deserving to be honored in this way. He followed in his great father Paul O’Dwyer’s footsteps and made many great strides himself. Brian’s dedication to Peace, Justice and a United Ireland, improvement of lives for people across the globe is legendary. He has both created great leadership and advised great leaders on many fronts, particularly those related in Ireland, the USA, and as Chairman of the … [Read more...] about Report for 2015 Fall National Board Meeting

Immigration Chairman’s Report – February 28, 2014

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Following unanimous consent from the National Board, The AOH National Immigration Committee created an Initiative to promote the Irish Perspective on Comprehensive Immigration Reform and highlight March as Irish American Heritage Month. We asked Congress to recognize the important historical role of the Irish throughout US history, and show its commitment to Comprehensive Immigration Reform by wearing an Irish American Heritage Month/Immigration Lapel Pin. The pins were presented to members of Congress along with a card stating: “In March, designated Irish-American Heritage Month since 1991, … [Read more...] about Immigration Chairman’s Report – February 28, 2014